VetLed, a leading human factors veterinary group, have announced the first human factors conference for the veterinary profession, which will go live virtually on Friday 26th February.

What are human factors?

The study of human factors combines scientific knowledge of the human body, mind and behaviour to better understand the factors that contribute to being able to perform at our best.

Veterinary professionals possess many skills, knowledge and experience, both clinical and non-clinical, but our performance in our roles is affected by much more than just that.

We perform better when we have good physical and mental wellbeing, and when we are working in a positive workplace culture. But how many of prioritise these factors when considering how our team could perform better and reduce the risk of errors?

The Veterinary Human Factors Conference has been created to support delegates in creating this learning culture and help team members develop a growth mindset, a critical factor in making the shift from a blame culture to a “just culture”.

Why human factors matter in veterinary practice

The conference will be held virtually, with opportunity for interaction and connection with delegates and speakers, and will include talks on patient safety, how to deal with mistakes, how to support a supportive team culture, and more.

The conference will consist of two streams filled with human factors tools and techniques, including discussion panels, TED-style talks, and Q&A sessions with the speakers.

Cat Auden, Head of Collaboration at VetLed, commented, “As a veterinary surgeon, I am so thankful to have discovered the field of human factors.

Every day our professional performance depends on how we perform as a human being.  A close understanding of what factors limit and maximise my chance of best patient outcomes is critical to being the best vet I can be.

The pilots and the medics have embraced Human Factors as central to their roles in a safety-critical profession – and as vets, now is our time!”

Encouraging leadership

VetLed calls for all members of the vet team, both clinical and non-clinical, to attend, and also encourages individuals with a drive for development and a passion for practice.

Showcasing new research

Although established across many professions, the study of human factors in veterinary medicine is progressing quickly, with research being at the forefront of gaining more understanding.

In recognition of this, VetLed will be hosting a diverse programme of presentation and TED talks from researchers and veterinary professionals in practice. These pre-conference sessions will launch on Thursday 25th February, ahead of the conference programme.

Keynote talk with Martin Bromiley OBE: “How mistakes can save lives.”

The conference will draw to a close with an empowering keynote talk with Martin Bromiley OBE, whose wife needlessly died during a routine hospital procedure, when clinicians failed to respond appropriately to an unanticipated emergency.

As a result of this tragedy, Martin founded the Clinical Human Factors Group, a charitable trust which aims raise awareness and promote best practice around human factors. This will be the first time Martin has spoken to the veterinary profession about his experiences and insights.

Visit here to buy your ticket, with the Early Bird ticket offer only running until 8th January 2021.

Find more about VetLed here.